You Learn Something Every Day
Being involved in my homeowners’ association has been a great learning experience. And what a well-rounded education it’s been indeed! There are so many aspects to association governance ranging from financial and legal to construction, facilities management, personnel and more. For example, as a volunteer, as a Board member and most recently as President, I have learned things like why roads get cracks in them, the relationships between all of the levels of government in the local area, the difference between cash and accrual basis accounting, the life cycle of gypsy moths, how to deal with a variety of personalities, Performance Management, and on and on. The learning never stops and each lesson is unique and valuable, and some of the decisions we have to make in leadership are very hard and potentially controversial.
A Lesson In Civil Liberties
Most recently, we’ve had a request that the Board of Directors stop the practice of reciting the Pledge of Allegiance at our public meetings. The reason, interestingly enough, is not wholly associated with religion, which has been the basis of many challenges to the practice in schools and other places over the years. The basis for this request has more to do with being inclusive of all homeowners, since the Association exists for the benefit of all homeowners. Some residents, we’ve been reminded, may be prohibited from reciting the Pledge because of religious issues, but others also may be prohibited from reciting the Pledge because of citizenship issues. As you know, one does not have to be a US citizen to own property here. It was argued, “If we are going to demonstrate patriotism or loyalty at our meetings, there are less exclusionary ways to do it,” such as the singing of America the Beautiful or something.
Should Alternatives Be Considered?
It’s not uncommon for organizations to open meetings with the Pledge – especially since 9/11, when Patriotism experienced a big Rebirth. The practice has become a regular part of our HOA meetings, as it has become a standard in some other organizations’ agendas. I’ve never considered that it might be offensive to some and quite honestly have always regarded it as a totally voluntary part of meetings. I am beginning to wonder if our quest for a kinder, gentler HOA requires that we be more sensitive to issues like this and that we seek an alternative to the Pledge. Is there some other way to honor our country, one that satisfies the needs of the many without alienating the few? After all, athletic events and even the big, televised political ceremonies opt for the National Anthem as the opening highlight.
What do you think? Does this request have merit? Or is this a case of political correctness gone mad?
